In Conversation

• Andrew Ford OAM: The shortest history of Andrew

  A composer, writer, and presenter, Andrew Ford is a unique and highly valued voice in Australia’s musical landscape. His music has been heard all around the world, from Sydney to New York, and London to Singapore. It’s been conducted by Jeffrey Tate and Benjamin Northey, played by Piers Lane and Lisa Moore, and sung by Yvonne Kenney and Teddy Tahu-Rhodes. He’s educated us with his 11 books, most recently The Shortest History of Music, and entertained and enlightened us with his three-decade long presentation of The Music Show on Radio National.In this conversation, Andrew reflects on discovering composition as a teenager and how an encounter with Michael Tippett shaped his artistic outlook. He discusses balancing technique with intuition, the magic of hearing a work for the first time, and accepting that self-criticism and the realities of needing to finish a work are part of the creative process. Andrew also provides some fascinating cultural observations, especially on the history and future of music, innovation versus tradition, how audiences shape what endures, and how genres once thought ephemeral have matured into a kind of canon. This program was recorded at the 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music. The next Australian Festival of Chamber Music will take place in Cairns from July 24 to August 1, 2026.

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• Mark Kilmurry: Dial E for Ensemble

  One of the key figures of Sydney’s theatre scene, UK born Mark Kilmurry has written, directed and performed in countless theatre productions around the world. He’s had a long association with the Ensemble Theatre, first as an actor, then associate director, and since 2016 he’s been their sole artistic director. In this conversation, Mark delves into the early influences of his mother’s comedy writing for the BBC, and his own formative drama-school training in Coventry. We hear about the theatre company Snarling Beasties which he formed in the UK in the 1980s, and the accidental path that ultimately brought him to Australia. He describes the evolution of his career from acting to directing, and the joys and challenges of doing both simultaneously. From his passion to create new Australian theatre to recounting some memorable onstage mishaps, Mark reveals a deep commitment to the magic of live theatre, the nurturing of new talent, and his desire to sustain a vibrant theatre culture. Mark Kilmurry directs Dial M for Murder at the Ensemble theatre, playing until January 11. Subscriptions for the Ensemble’s 2026 season are now available.

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• Carolyn Sampson OBE: She likes to sing

  Internationally acclaimed and award winning soprano Carolyn Sampson has had an unusually organic rise to the world stage – from her formative years in Bedfordshire’s exceptional youth music programs to early encouragement from influential mentors like Geoffrey Skidmore and Harry Christophers. Equally at home on the concert and opera stages, she has appeared with the Gewundhaus, BBC Philharmonic, and Opéra de Paris amongst many others, and released more than 100 albums.In this conversation, Carolyn reflects on the transition from ensemble singing with renowned groups such as The Sixteen to major opera roles at English National Opera. She also talks about the development of her voice over time, the thrill of stagecraft, and the creative partnership behind her many recordings with pianist Joseph Middleton, including her milestone 100th album But I Like to Sing. She explores her love of music across genres and also speaks passionately about giving back through community music-making. In the 2024 New Year Honours, Carolyn was awarded an OBE for services to music. This conversation was recorded at the 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music, in Townsville. The next AFCM will take place in Cairns from July 24 to August 1, 2026.

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• Ana de la Vega: The poetry of persistence

  A chance encounter with Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto changed Ana de la Vega’s life forever. It inspired her so much that she is now one of the most sought-after flautists of her generation, praised for her crystal clear and velvety tone. She has appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Philharmonie Berlin, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and London’s Wigmore Hall. No stranger to the recording studio, she’s released six albums, including the enchanting My Paris. Having been based in Europe for 15 years, Ana has returned to Australia and is now artistic director of the Snow Concert Hall in Canberra.Ana’s career is a story of dedicated practice and determined persistence, from knocking on doors in Paris to study under teachers connected to her musical idol Jean-Pierre Rampal, to creating an entirely new concert series at the Snow Concert Hall from scratch. She describes her desire to make classical music more accessible and emotionally engaging for new audiences, reflecting on her own transformative experience of discovering it as a child. She speaks with passion about artistry, perseverance, and the expressive power of music to connect deeply with listeners regardless of background or experience.Ana de la Vega performs at the Snow Concert Hall on Saturday 15 November. Tickets for the 2026 season are now available.

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• Richard Tognetti AO: Making waves

  Under Richard Tognetti’s leadership, the Australian Chamber Orchestra has come to be regarded as one of the world’s finest ensembles. In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, Richard reflects on 35 years at the helm, as well as his international orchestral appearances as director or soloist. Equally at home on the period, modern and electric violins, he has also created dozens of arrangements and compositions, including for several films, and claimed six ARIA Awards.From a Wollongong childhood, Richard traces a journey defined by fierce independence and a passion for blurring musical boundaries - qualities that have shaped the ACO’s distinctive sound. He speaks compellingly of the importance of music education, sharing moving stories of his personal encounters through the ACO’s outreach, and takes pride in the orchestra’s new home at Pier 2/3 in Walsh Bay - a place to share and experience music.Personal and insightful, this conversation illuminates the energy, intellect and uncompromising spirit of one of Australia’s most influential musicians.Richard Tognetti directs the Australian Chamber Orchestra for Cocteau’s Circle around Australia until November 22. Subscriptions for the ACO’s 2026 season are now available.

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